McRae says their mother, Maura Tucker, was at home at the time and called 911 after hearing the shots and going to see what happened.

The siblings were taken by helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, the Item reported. The boy was pronounced dead. His sister underwent surgery.

McRae says she was listed Friday in critical but stable condition.

Officers did not have a chance to interview the parents or the girl, so the motive for the shooting is unclear at this time, according to the Item. The children's father, Curtis Tucker, was at work at the time of the incident.

Deputies told the Huntsville newspaper that they believe that Coby Tucker got the handgun from a locked safe in the home. No charges have been filed in the shooting. The case remains under investigation.